If you’re looking for things to do in Lancashire, you won’t be short of options. Lancashire offers everything from beautiful coastal areas, and rural market towns, to lively cities and unusual museums. So whatever you’re looking for, Lancashire offers plenty of opportunities to explore somewhere new. But what are some of the best things to do in Lancashire? And what should you not miss out on?
Follow the Tolkien Trail
If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, the Tolkien Trail near Hurst Green is an especially interesting way to explore Lancashire’s countryside. This seven-mile circular route takes you through woodland, meadows and the Ribble Valley, with links to local places associated with J.R.R. Tolkien. The trail is a great choice if you want to combine a countryside walk with a little literary history.
Discover the story of the Pendle Witches
For something with a darker side, head towards Pendle and explore the history surrounding the famous Pendle Witches. The Pendle Sculpture Trail offers a particularly unusual way to discover the story, using ten ceramic plaques to represent the people who were executed in 1612. You can combine this with exploring the surrounding villages and countryside, making it an interesting day out for anyone fascinated by Lancashire’s history and folklore.
The landscape around Pendle Hill also provides some spectacular views, giving you plenty of reason to stay in the area after discovering its history.
Step aboard the Ribble Steam Railway
For a very different Lancashire experience, visit the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum in Preston. Set alongside the River Ribble, the railway gives you the opportunity to experience Lancashire’s industrial heritage through historic locomotives and railway journeys.
It’s particularly interesting because railways played such an important role in the development of Lancashire’s towns and industries. You can combine a visit with exploring the surrounding Preston area, making it an easy addition to a day out.
Explore Lancaster’s darker history
Lancashire has no shortage of historic attractions, but Lancaster Castle offers something particularly atmospheric. The castle has a history stretching back almost 1,000 years and was used as a prison for centuries. Its tours explore stories of crime, punishment, prisoners and trials, giving you a fascinating insight into some of the darker chapters of Lancashire’s past.
Afterwards, you can take some time to explore Lancaster itself, with its independent shops, historic streets and riverside setting.
Experience the Lancashire coast
For a change of scenery, head to Morecambe and discover one of Lancashire’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.
The sweeping views across Morecambe Bay towards the Lakeland hills make the promenade an excellent place for a walk. You can also follow the Morecambe TERN Trail, an outdoor art trail featuring sculptures and installations along the seafront.
You could also head towards Lytham St Annes for a quieter coastal experience, where you can enjoy the promenade, beach and views across the Ribble Estuary.
Discover Lancashire’s countryside around Preston
If you’re staying in Preston, you don’t need to travel far to experience some of Lancashire’s most beautiful landscapes.
Beacon Fell Country Park is an excellent option for walking, with woodland, open countryside and elevated views across the surrounding landscape. For something different, Brockholes offers a fascinating nature experience just outside Preston. Its nature reserve includes lakes, woodland and wetland habitats, while the unusual floating visitor village makes it unlike a traditional countryside attraction.
Try something completely different
If you’re keen to make your Lancashire visit memorable, look beyond traditional sightseeing.
The county has a growing range of hands-on experiences, including cookery schools, gin and beer-making sessions, pottery workshops, photography experiences and outdoor adventures. There are also opportunities to try activities such as trial biking in the Forest of Bowland. These experiences can be particularly good for celebrations, couples’ breaks, group trips or simply trying something you’ve never done before.
Make Preston your base
One of the best ways to explore Lancashire is to choose a central base and venture out from there.
Preston works particularly well because you can enjoy the city itself while remaining within easy reach of the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland, Lancashire’s coast and other towns and attractions across the county.
Staying in a city centre hotel in Preston, like the No.10 Preston, allows you to maximise your time and experience more of what the city, and the surrounding Lancashire area, has to offer. We offer luxury and boutique accommodation for solo travellers, couples, families and groups, so you can relax and unwind in peace. Why not take a look at what we can offer today?